He stops demonstrating his golf swing for a group of my male relations and rolls his eyes at her. “How on earth would I know that? And in case you didn’t notice, I’m in the middle of a conversation, Beth.”
“Ballpark it,” she orders.
“Why?”
“Because Nora here is going to be hosting the World Bartending Championships and I want to know if she should try to marry one of them!”
“Oh, really?” he asks me, looking slightly impressed.
“The resort is hosting the event, but as the events coordinator…” I shrug modestly, even though it really is massive that my bosses are letting me take the lead on this. Technically, I’m nottheevents coordinator. I’m one of the events coordinators. There are two of us: me and Oakley Knowles. No relation to the great Queen B. We pretty much can’t stand each other, to be honest. On my part, it’s because she’s a conniving bitch who’s always trying to steal the best events out from under me. I have no idea why she hatesmethough. Maybe because I’m better at the job than her, and therefore Libby and Harrison trust me most?
My dad, who was tied up with long-winded Uncle Nester this whole time, finally breaks free and walks over to me. “That sounds like a huge deal, Birdie.” That’s his nickname for me. Embarrassing in certain situations, but I still love it.
I beam. “If all goes well, we expect to be hosting a lot more events, which will mean hiring more coordinators and selecting one of us to be the Senior Events Manager.”
“Are they considering you for that position?” Mum asks.
“I can’t say for sure, but I think it’s a good sign they’ve asked me to take the lead on this one.”
“Well done, you,” Dad says, grinning at me.
“I shouldn’t count my chickens just yet. The film crew from the network shows up next week. Then the contestants. It’ll be like coordinating several events all at once. Very complicated, logistics-wise.”
“You’re going to be so busy,” Mum says. “Stay with us. That way, you won’t have to worry about cooking for yourself.”
“Thanks, Mum, but I’ll be fine.”
“Please, you’re wasting away to nothing,” Dad says, dropping a kiss on my temple.
Hint, hint, Beth! I’ve lost fifteen freaking pounds!
Beth narrows her eyes at me. “Film crew… Now that might be a job more to your mum’s liking. Directors make good cash, don’t they, Gary?”
“I’d say so,” Dad answers. “But my Birdie is too busy for men. She’s a career woman.”
“Nonsense,” Mum tells him. “It’s not like she’s working on the cure for cancer or something.”
“Ooh! Or the cure for a hangover,” Beth adds, glancing at me. “Now that would be important.”
Mum purses her lips. “I’d say that’s a case of an ounce of prevention—”
“Oh shush, you, it’s my birthday!” Beth lifts her glass again, tipping it all the way back. When nary a drop comes out, she lowers it and makes a little grunting sound.
“So, Nora, with this big event happening, I’m guessing you’ll need to bring on some new staff,” Mum says.
Nope. Not doing it.
Dad’s eyes light up. “Kat would be terrific for that type of thing.”
“I don’t think so. I really won’t have time to train someone right now.”
“She could be an intern,” Dad suggests.
“Anunpaidintern, Nora,” Mum adds, sweetening the pot. “Please. She really needs some responsibility in her life.”
Oh God, why is there no more wine? “Maybe she could, I don’t know, become a dog walker or something.”
Mum’s eyebrows knit together. “Nora, your sister needs a hand in life. She’s not like you.”
